A delight of the mind arising from the consideration of a present for assured approaching possession of a future good. When it is moderate, it is called gladness; when raised on a sudden to the highest degree, it is then exultation or transport; when we limit our desires by our possessions, it is contentment; when our desires are raised high, and yet accomplished, this is called satisfaction; when our joy is derived from some comical occasion or amusement, it is mirth; if it arise from considerable opposition that is vanquished in the pursuit of the good we desire, it is then called triumph; when joy has so long possessed the mind that it is settled into a temper, we call it cheerfulness; when we rejoice upon the account of any good which others obtain, it may be called sympathy or congratulation. This is natural joy; but there is,
2. A moral joy, which is a self-approbation, or that which arises from the performance of any good actions; this is called peace, or serenity of conscience: if the action be honourable, and the joy rise high, it may be called glory.
3. There is also a spiritual joy, which the Scripture calls a "fruit of the Spirit, " Galatians 5:22 . "the joy of faith." Philippians 1:25 . and "the rejoicing of hope, " Hebrews 3:6 .
The objects of it are,
1. God himself, Psalms 43:4 . Is. 41: 10.
2. Christ, Philippians 3:3 . 1 Peter 1:8 .
3. The promises, Psalms 119:162 .
4. The administration of the Gospel, and Gospel ordinances, Psalms 89:15 .
5. The prosperity of the interest of Christ, Acts 15:3 . Revelation 11:15; Revelation 17:1-18 :
6. The happiness of a future state, Romans 5:1-21 . Matthew 25:1-46 :
The nature and properties of this joy:
1. It is or should be constant, Philippians 4:4 .
2. It is unknown to the men of the world, 1 Corinthians 2:14 .
3. It is unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8 .
4. It is permanent, John 16:22 . Watts on the Pass. sect. 11; Gill's Body of Div. p. 111.3d. vol. 8vo. edit.; Grove's Mor. Phil. vol. 1: p. 356.
Despite a stated reliance on the plain meaning of the Bible and the dictates of common sense, Buck's Theological Dictionary, first published in London in 1802, seeks to provide a textual basis for the evangelical community. By combining brief essays on orthodox belief and practice with historical entries on various denominations, Buck provided an interpretive lens that allowed antebellum Protestants to see Christianity's almost two millennia as their own history.Wikipedia
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